Bought at a remaindered books sale, this slim hardcover volume appealed physically with its cover showing a recently discovered portrait of Capt James Cook.

However, I was nearly put off by the almost obsessively repetitive explanation of his basic thesis in the introduction. O'Sullivan believes that unlike many others of his day, Cook gives little away of a personal nature in the journals that are our primary source of information about his journeys so that historians have come to know what he has done without getting to know him. The author is therefore putting forward a re-examination of the various more personal hints and clues throughout these books, which were edited and published after each voyage, in order to discern more of the man.

I'm glad I didn't give up. I loved every minute of the rest of the book and was sorry when it finished. O'Sullivan not only examines the character of Cook but also the nature, development and editing of the journals themselves. This the latter features alone would have made the volume worth reading, but he also includes what he calls "timelines" of each of the voyages – short list of key dates with accompanying extracts from journals (mainly Cook's but also others'). The bulk of the book is made up of chapters under various headings as we consider Cook in relation to native leaders with whom interacted, as well as the scientists on board and the members of his crew. There is also examination of his scientific knowledge and of his literary development over the years. Some thematic chapters consider such topics as his attitude towards the rather free practice of sex in the islands (and indeed on board ship) and the various consequences. O'Sullivan is not reluctant to negatively assess decisions that Cook took at various points of his command, not least in the circumstances leading up to and surrounding his death. At the same time, he very properly acknowledges and appreciates Cook's ability and success as a captain in the last period of major world discovery.

As a white Australian, I'm glad I found this book, I'm pleased I took the time to read it, and, above all I am delighted that it was so good to read.